3% 5% Big Cat Monitoring
9%
Game counts 44% 14%
Conservancy work Conservation Education KGS Guide school Data Entry
25%
•
Volunteers conducted grass monitoring surveys in four plots. Why is this necessary? Grass density plays a big role in ecosystem management. Overall, quarterly averages showed that the grassland is in a normal range
•
Volunteers were involved in uprooting invasive plant species in the entire conservancy after short rains. These invasive plant species are not only harmful to animals in the area, but also inhibits the growth of other indigenous plants
•
Volunteers built approximately 30 fences to control soil erosion in the eroded parts of the conservancy. This will prevent desertification – a big issue facing Africa at the moment
•
Wildlife counts were done in eight transects, or sample areas. This useful information is used to observe general wildlife distribution and trends over time
•
Raptors monitored were entered into the African Raptor Database in an effort to contribute to a better understanding of their behavior, distribution and migration
•
Lion, cheetah and leopard were extensively monitored in the conservancy. This is important in tracking their movement patterns and studying their behavior
•
Three prides of lions were monitored and different individuals profiled in the conservancy
•
Total number of sightings this quarter were: 89 lions, 26 cheetahs and 5 leopards
“I have never volunteered before but can honestly say that, after being here, I would definitely do it again! The staff have been so helpful and friendly and make you feel at home at all times. Meeting people from different countries, and exploring new cultures has been truly amazing. It feels like home-away-from-home and I would never take back the experience that I have had.” Michelle Hodgins, 21, Ireland
•
Volunteers helped develop presentation skills among students and improve their confidence levels. They were also introduced to foreign languages (basic phrases) that they could use in their line of duty as guides (French, German, Dutch, and Spanish)
•
The team exposed students to many different countries around the world through presentations done by our volunteers. The presentations included information about their culture and lifestyle, native animals, and food